Airstream Avenue 2011, User Manual

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ChEVROLET ExPRESS VAN
Tire Grip
Tire grip is greatly reduced on a wet or icy road. Speed and driving style must
therefore be adapted to suit road conditions. Below a tread depth of 1/8 in.,
tire grip begins to decrease rapidly on wet roads.
Hydroplaning
Depending on the depth of the water layer on the road, hydroplaning may
occur, even at low speeds and with new tires. Reduce vehicle speed, avoid
grooves in the road, and apply brakes cautiously in the rain.
While we are on hydroplaning lets discuss driving in a flooded area. The major-
ity of flood-related deaths are caused by people attempting to drive through
moving water.
Ironically, many drivers rescued from flood waters report that they were in a
hurry to get home-- to safety -- as a reason for tempting the danger of driving
into water. However it looks, and despite what car commercials depict, driv-
ing into flood waters may be the most dangerous things one might ever try.
Considering the following:
Most cars will float (and be swept away) in 18-24 inches of moving water.
Trucks and SUVs are not much better with only 6-12 more inches of clearance.
Creeks and rivers can rise very rapidly and the road bottom can also wash
away making the water much deeper than it appears.
Once cars are swept downstream they will often roll to one side or perhaps flip
over entirely. The driver has a few precious seconds to escape the vehicle. In
fact, many drivers panic as soon as the vehicle submerges and are found later
with their seat belt intact.
Changing the Tire (partially excerpted from the Chevrolet Operator’s Manual)
Warning:
The Chevrolet Operator’s Manual contains impor-
tant cautions, warnings, specifications, and operational information on
changing, maintaining, and replacing of the tires and wheels. Read, un-
derstand, and follow the Chevrolet manual sections for changing a tire.
CaUTiOn:
Changing a tire on a motorhome chassis is a physi-
cally demanding procedure. It requires specialized tools and knowledge
of safety procedures. The vehicle could slip off the jack and roll over or
fall on you or other people causing serious injury and possibly death. Only
you can determine your knowledge base and physical ability. Don’t take